And just like that, it’s over. The 2021 campaign is complete for the Cowboys, and the immediate focus turns to the coaching staff. Who’s staying? Who’s going? Who’s talking to whom? Mike McCarthy wasn’t a topic Jerry Jones wanted to discuss Sunday night, but Stephen was casting a big vote on confidence on Dallas radio by Monday. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn embarks on a busy week of job interviews with no fewer than four other clubs, but the anemic wild card showing suddenly calls into question whether his offensive counterpart Kellen Moore is really ready for a promotion.
Elsewhere, plenty to unpack from what transpired on the field, from the many details that doomed Dallas to Ezekiel Elliott’s mystery ailment that’s finally been named, from the role the officials played to that bizarre final play. We’re searching high and low for somebody wearing a star who was a bright spot, and we’re facing facts about just how bad it really was. Dak Prescott had a cringeworthy line in his postgame press conference… but also did a stand-up thing for some of his lesser-known teammates. And we’re looking at the Cowboys’ now-solidified spot in the draft order… because that’s the next thing to look forward to now. News and Notes rolls on…